JOHN C. HOLLINGSWORTH, CDR, USN

John Hollingsworth '31

Lucky Bag

John Christie Hollingsworth

Dawson, Georgia

"John" "Holly"

Not as large as his name implies, but large enough. Coming from God's own country, "Dixie," he possesses those traits characteristic of every Southerner. Slow of speech and quiet, yet holding one of the most striking and winning personalities ever. A true sport and every bit a man.

John's early training started at Dawson High. While in high school he distinguished himself on the gridiron, court, and field. He was captain of football, guard in basketball, and won many awards for his ability on the field. His abilities do not end in athletics, for he can make himself agreeable in any company, especially in mixed company, in which he is perfectly at ease.

By Dawson's loss we gained one who was entirely new to us. His friends at first were few, but he possessed that trait of holding a friend once he had gained him. He is a steady worker and succeeds in practically everything he undertakes, and his will to win carries him through where others fail. His loyalty and personality make him an asset to Navy.

John Christie Hollingsworth

Dawson, Georgia

"John" "Holly"

Not as large as his name implies, but large enough. Coming from God's own country, "Dixie," he possesses those traits characteristic of every Southerner. Slow of speech and quiet, yet holding one of the most striking and winning personalities ever. A true sport and every bit a man.

John's early training started at Dawson High. While in high school he distinguished himself on the gridiron, court, and field. He was captain of football, guard in basketball, and won many awards for his ability on the field. His abilities do not end in athletics, for he can make himself agreeable in any company, especially in mixed company, in which he is perfectly at ease.

By Dawson's loss we gained one who was entirely new to us. His friends at first were few, but he possessed that trait of holding a friend once he had gained him. He is a steady worker and succeeds in practically everything he undertakes, and his will to win carries him through where others fail. His loyalty and personality make him an asset to Navy.

In April 1942 he was engineering officer aboard Thomas Jefferson. The ship had been briefly taken into service, outfitted with a pair of 20mm guns, and sent with various cargos to the Philippines. The voyage was short, however, as it was cancelled at Midway. After returning to Pearl Harbor, the ship picked up John's wife and the wife of the commanding officer before sailing for San Francisco. Upon reaching San Francisco the ship was returned to the War Shipping Administration and John (and all other officers & crew) transferred.

He was promoted to Lieutenant (j.g.) on 4 Jun 1934; to Lieutenant on 1 Jul 1939; to Lieutenant Commander (T) on 15 Jun 1942; and to Commander (T) 1 Nov 1942.

Silver Star

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant] John Christie Hollingsworth (NSN: 0-70037), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer and Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. TRITON (SS-201), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the East China Sea, from 25 January to 19 March 1942. Through his excellent judgment and thorough knowledge of attack problems, Commander Hollingsworth materially assisted his Commanding Officer in conducting four successful torpedo attacks which, despite intensive hostile aircraft anti-submarine patrols and adverse weather conditions, resulted in the sinking of two enemy ships totaling 12,000 tons and in the damaging of two more totaling 15,000 tons. His courage and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Legion of Merit

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" to Commander John Christie Hollingsworth (NSN: 0-70037), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SCAMP (SS-277), during the SEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 3 March to 22 April 1944. When his vessel was bombed on 7 April by an enemy float plane while trying to send a contact report of a hostile task force, Commander Hollingsworth directed emergency repairs on his ship in the face of dense phenolic smoke from fire in the main control cubicle to render his vessel capable of escaping from the area and returning to port. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Hollingsworth is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)